Steam curled from paper cups as families pressed to the railings along the Greenway, their mittened hands lifted toward a sky that bloomed with color. The fireworks finale of HollyDazzle—Grand Forks’ Festival of Lights—returned this weekend with a familiar spark, reflecting off the Red River while cheers rose from Town Square.
Grand Forks Celebrates the Season with HollyDazzle
For many in Grand Forks, HollyDazzle is the moment the season truly clicks into place. Downtown streets glowed with string lights and storefront displays, and a steady stream of UND students in green and white mixed with young families and visiting grandparents. It’s a cross-town handshake of sorts—East Grand Forks to Grand Forks—meeting on the Greenway to mark the start of winter together.
The scene built throughout the afternoon: carols floating from the Town Square stage, kids trotting toward carriage rides, and a chorus of “oohs” as the first bursts of fireworks rippled over the river. Families from Grand Forks Air Force Base clustered near the curb to snap photos, and more than a few sleds doubled as impromptu benches while people waited for the finale.
City organizers position HollyDazzle as a free, family-friendly capstone to the fall semester and a welcome home for alumni and visitors, according to the City of Grand Forks events team and Downtown Development Association. The festival’s footprint—centered on Town Square with viewing along the Greenway—keeps foot traffic flowing and the mood neighborly.
Pro tip highlights at a glance:
Where: Town Square and the Greenway, Downtown Grand Forks
When: Late afternoon into evening; fireworks cap the night at dusk
Cost: Free to attend; food, crafts, and select activities available for purchase
Getting there: Park in downtown ramps and surface lots; consider arriving early
Accessibility: Paved paths, curb cuts, and ramp access throughout Town Square and the Greenway; plan extra time for crowd navigation
A Holiday Tradition with a Modern Twist
The heart of HollyDazzle remains delightfully familiar—carriage rides along the river path, caroling, cocoa, and a fireworks finale—but each year brings small evolutions. Street performers drew circles of onlookers between shop windows, and families ducked into cozy corners of Town Square for casual singalongs as kids clutched light-up wands picked up from vendor booths.
Attendees described the festival as a can’t-miss kickoff: a night where classmates, coworkers, and neighbors mingle without needing an invite. Parents pointed to the ease of it—you can wander, warm up with a drink, and still catch the show—while students said it’s a perfect breather before finals. First-time visitors often remark on the blend of college-town energy and Midwestern calm: packed sidewalks, patient lines, and everyone ready to share a tip on the best vantage point.
This year, the atmosphere leaned into those little modern touches you’d expect—more phones raised for photos, pop-up selfie corners framed by twinkle lights, and a soundtrack that hopped from classic carols to upbeat winter tunes. The effect was a festival that felt rooted in tradition and tuned to the moment.
Community Voices and Holiday Spirit
HollyDazzle works because it belongs to the community. You could see it in the volunteers setting up along the Greenway, the shop owners holding doors and handing out napkins, and the families who’ve circled the date for years. A UND sophomore guided her visiting parents along 3rd Street, pointing out the best vantage spots; a pair of airmen on weekend pass surprised their kids with carriage tickets; a group of first-time visitors from the Twin Cities kept stopping to take photos of the crowd against the river lights.
Organizers from the City of Grand Forks and the Downtown Development Association underscored that spirit by keeping the layout welcoming and walkable, with activities spread across central blocks so no one space felt overcrowded. The Greenway’s wide, paved paths helped strollers and wheelchairs move alongside the press of foot traffic, and volunteers steered folks toward less busy viewing pockets.
Inclusivity is something residents noted too—multi-generational groups, new Americans sharing warm pastries, and students teaching younger siblings the chorus of a favorite carol. The throughline was simple: an easy, shared way to be outside together at the start of winter.
Culinary Delights and Craft Offerings
Food and craft vendors stitched their way through the evening. The air smelled like cocoa, spiced cider, and sugar—as kids weighed mini donuts against frosted cookies and adults hunted down a warm cup before the fireworks. Local bakers and food trucks rotated a mix of sweet and savory bites, from grab-and-go treats to heartier bowls meant for sharing.
Craft tables and artisan stalls offered ornaments, knitwear, and locally made gifts that nod to Red River winters. Shoppers gravitated toward handmade items with a Grand Forks feel—think snowflake earrings, UND-hued scarves, and woodcut signs that fit right into an apartment entryway or a longtime family home.
Vendors say they return for the energy—steady crowds, returning customers, and a chance to put a friendly face to a local brand before holiday shopping ramps up. For many, HollyDazzle is where a second-semester UND grad student becomes a year-round customer or where a new family finds their go-to baker.
Quick pick: Make-it-at-home cocoa
2 cups milk (or almond/oat milk)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1–2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup, to taste
Pinch of salt, splash of vanilla
Optional: cinnamon, peppermint, or a spoonful of peanut butter for richness Whisk over medium heat until steamy. For dairy-free, swap milk for your favorite plant-based option; for less sugar, use dark cocoa and maple syrup.
DIY winter lantern (kid-friendly)
Clean glass jar, battery tea light
Tissue paper, glue stick, ribbon or twine
Stickers or snowflake cutouts Wrap jar with tissue and glue, decorate, and drop in a tea light. Tie with ribbon. Perfect for a windowsill on a calm winter night.
Planning Tips for Future Celebrations
If you’re already planning for next year, a little strategy goes a long way. Many regulars aim to arrive during late afternoon to explore vendors before the busiest window; families with young children often stake out a spot on the Greenway near Town Square where the paths are widest. Dusk brings the finale—plan to settle 15–20 minutes early to enjoy the build-up without crowding.
Know before you go:
Dates and schedule: HollyDazzle traditionally lands in early December, with activities rolling from late afternoon to evening and fireworks at dusk. Watch the City of Grand Forks calendar and Downtown Development Association for official times and updates.
Cost: The festival is free to attend. Food, crafts, and select activities are available for purchase. Bring cash and a card; vendors vary.
Parking and transit: Downtown ramps and surface lots are your best bet; arrive early and follow posted signs. Consider carpooling or using Cities Area Transit if schedules align.
Accessibility: Town Square and the Greenway feature paved paths, curb cuts, and ramp access. For accommodations, the City encourages advance requests through its main contact channels.
Weather tips: Layer up, pack hand warmers, and bring a small blanket for kids. A thermos of cocoa turns waiting time into part of the fun.
Helpful links:
City of Grand Forks: events and contacts — grandforksgov.com
Downtown Development Association: downtown updates — downtowngf.com
The Greenway: maps and amenities — greenwayggf.com
Cities Area Transit: routes and hours — grandforksgov.com/public-transportation
Grand Forks Chamber: shop local guides — gochamber.org
The Joy of Participation: Looking Ahead
HollyDazzle is more than an evening out—it’s a reminder that shared traditions keep this community resilient through long winters. The festival gives neighbors a way to show up for one another, to celebrate UND’s fall finish and the base’s homecomings, and to welcome first-time visitors into the rhythm of Grand Forks.
In the weeks ahead, downtown window displays, Greenway strolls, and neighborhood lights continue the glow. Keep an eye on campus and community calendars for winter concerts, local markets, and skate nights that borrow HollyDazzle’s spark and stretch it through the season.
What to Watch
City partners typically release next year’s HollyDazzle date and volunteer sign-up information in the fall. Follow the City of Grand Forks and the Downtown Development Association for schedule announcements and vendor applications. Expect updates on accessibility services and transit options as planning ramps up.
